Abandoned bags trigger closure of station

A trio of Japanese tourists unwittingly caused Vancouver’s main train and bus station to shut down Tuesday afternoon when they ducked out and left three large camping backpacks next to a customs office, prompting a visit by the VPD’s bomb squad. The call came in around 12: 15 p. m. after someone at Pacific Central Station, located on Main Street just southeast of the city’s downtown core, failed to find the owners of the three bags, which were propped up near a pay phone and outside the customs office, VPD spokesman Const. Brian Montague said. Travellers using the station — which serves as a stop for VIA rail, Greyhound buses and U. S.- bound Amtrak trains — were warned of delays and streets around the building were also closed. The explosives disposal unit X- rayed the bags and found pots and kerosene canisters, which had to be closely examined before the station was allowed to reopen at about 3: 30 p. m.